Chad Ford

(1:16 PM)

Aloha, everyone. Sorry for being late. I had a few techinical issues this morning. Congrats to the Lakers for winning the 2009 NBA Championship ... but I know most of you are ready to talk draft, trades and free-agency ... so lets roll

Andre (Puerto Rico)

Hey Chad any chance the Clippers can trade there mega contracts: Kaman

Chad Ford

(1:20 PM)

Maybe, with Blake Griffin coming they'll want to trade either Kaman or Zach Randolph's deal. Kaman's is easier to trade ... but in this climate, it isn't easy. So few teams are willing to take on salary right now. Most owners are trying to dump contracts. It won't be easy and if all those guys stay in LA, there's going to be a log jam with Kaman, Marcus Camby, Randolph and Griffin

Adam S. (Minnesota)

I have been hearing rumors of the Wolves moving up to #2 to take Rubio. Any truth to this?

Chad Ford

(1:22 PM)

There have been some rumblings around the league that they were talking to Memphis for what would be Kevin Love for the No. 2 pick. But from what I can gather, that's pretty bogus. The Wolves do like Rubio ... but there are all sorts of problems with them trading away Love ... the most obvious is that Love can't be traded back to the team that traded him in the first place for one year. So anything like that would have to happen after the draft. And, I'm not sure that Love is a perfect fit with Marc Gasol. They need more of a long, athletic shot blocker like ... Hasheem Thabeet!

Brandon Council, NC [via mobile]

Do u think that Jennings is better than Rubio?

Chad Ford

(1:25 PM)

Totally different players ... and no. Rubio is a true point guard who sees the floor and makes everyone around him better. Jennings is more in the mold of Allen Iverson -- a super quick guard who thrives at penetrating and creating his own shot. Rubio can score a little and Jennings can pass a little ... but they are totally different and at the end of the day finding guys like Rubio are a lot harder than finding guys like Jennings. And let's not forget, while Jennings was hyping his one-on-one matchup with Rubio ... Rubio was just coming back from a major injury. Look at their season at the end and it was Rubio, not Jennings, that was putting up the numbers in Europe.

Ryan (NY, NY)

I would trade anyone on the Knicks for Rubio at number 2.

Chad Ford

(1:27 PM)

They're trying to get up there ... they are big fans and they should be. Rubio would be great in NY.Assuming they don't move down ... obviously Stephen Curry is high on their list. They also like Jordan Hill and Jrue Holiday and DeMar DeRozan

Brookes (Washington, DC)

What do you expect to be the asking price for Josh Smith?

Chad Ford

(1:28 PM)

A little cap relief so they can sign all of their other free agents like Marvin Williams, Mike Bibby, Zaza Pachulia, Josh Childress and Ronald Murray.The problem is that teams don't want to pay his trade kicker which is $7.2 million (not the $6 million I reported yesterday)

Kevin Pritchard (Starbucks - Mocking Draft #1mil)

Chad - I will be trading up in the draft and grabbing Blair for our back up PF. I will also be using the cap space to make a run at Nash, Kidd, Miller and Sessions - in that order. I might even throw our hat in the Turkeyglue sweepstakes. Approve / Disapprove?

Chad Ford

(1:29 PM)

That's not totally far off. The Blazers do like DeJuan Blair. Nash isn't a free agent so that's an issue. I do see Turkoglu as a target ... but they may not have enough cash. Blazers are looking at around $7 to $8 million in room this year

krayyy (los angeles)

remember when granger slipped to 17? is blair the new Granger?

Chad Ford

(1:30 PM)

Could be. Granger slipped because of concerns about his knees and he turned out to be just fine. Blair is slipping for the same reason ... but the truth is that Blair's knees are totally fine right now. What doctors are worried about is what they'll be like in the future. He's been great in workouts and everyone loves him. If he slips, he's going to make a lot of teams regret it as long as he stays healthy.

Jake (New Jersey)

Chad... there are now reports that the Knicks are secretly really high on Jordan Hill.... how true are these reports since they have not had him in for a workout yet and do you think Curry is still the guy they want at number 8?

Chad Ford

(1:33 PM)

They like him and we've been reporting that for the past few weeks and even have the Knicks taking him at No. 8 on our latest mock draft. However ... I think if Curry's on the board they take him. But if he's gone, Hill is a real possibility.

AJ (SF)

Chad - rumor has it that Monta Ellis is unhappy. The only way to appease him was to promise NOT to draft a point guard. If Jordan Hill is gone - who will GS take or will they trade the pick to the Clips for BD?

Chad Ford

(1:34 PM)

I've heard a few rumblings that direction, but c'mon ... are they really letting Monta Ellis draft for them ... please. The Warriors will take whoever they think helps the team the most. I do think Nellie thinks Ellis can play some point, but it won't stop them from taking a guy like Stephen Curry, for example, who can be a combo guy too. D

Danny (Minneapolis)

It's no secret that the Cavs are looking to improve their team so LeBron doesn't bolt in 2010 -- who do you see as the most likely additions?

Chad Ford

(1:38 PM)

I don't want to say it's panic time in Cleveland. That's too strong. But it's panic time in Cleveland. If they don't put a team on the floor that shows LeBron they are a title contender again, not only next season, but beyond, why does he stay?On that end ... how does Shaq help in that equation? He really helped the Suns with their playoff aspirations this year. Antawn Jamison? Better ... but again, in the long term I'm not sure. And by the way, weren't those the guys the Cavs rejected in February?I think there's a bigger mess in Cleveland than people think. You never want to overract to a playoff loss like this ... but as their team gets older and more players are heading out next summer, they have to do something.

Geoff Petrie (Arco Arena)

Hey Chad,Looking at our current situation in Sacramento what would be our best option come June 25?

Chad Ford

(1:39 PM)

Personally, I think it would be for Rubio to fall there. However, not everyone in Sacramento is sold on Rubio. I think that's crazy ... but if they don't love him, they don't love him. I'd say second best play for them is Jrue Holiday.

Michael (LA)

Are the Lakers going to keep both Odom and Ariza? If not, which teams do you think are most interested in them?

Chad Ford

(1:41 PM)

I don't know how they can. From what my sources are telling me, they are absolutely keeping Trevor Ariza. I think Odom will come down to what he's looking at as far as amount and length of contract. Lots of teams would be interest in Ariza including the Blazers and Pistons ... two teams with cap room. I think Odom may have to do the midlevel thing unless the Pistons come through with more money. There just aren't a lot of teams with lots of cap room this year.

Brent (Chicago, IL)

Is Mullin a good fit for Chicago at 16? Wouldn't Blair seem to be the better fit as they have no real muscle down low. Thanks.

Chad Ford

(1:42 PM)

I like Blair there for the toughness he brings, but there's no question Mullens has more upside. A number of folks in Chicago are disputing that they promised Mullens ... so we'll see. At this time of the year, there is a lot of misinformation being spread. It's tought to sort out what's true from what's not

Carmen (Chicago, IL)

Where does Ben Gordon land? And in this economy does he get the contract that he thinks he deserves?

Chad Ford

(1:43 PM)

I think Detroit is the most obvious destination for him. If they find a home for Amir Johnson and the No. 15 pick, they could probably afford him and Carlos Boozer. But no ... he's not getting the cash he thought he deserves ... not from chicago, not from anyone.

Marshall (Minnesota)

Is there any truth to the rumour that Curry has stopped doing individual workouts after he was in NYC, does this send signals to a team like the Wolves that they should stay away from him?

Chad Ford

(1:44 PM)

Yes, he's stopping workouts and yes, he'd prefer that the Knicks draft him. So ... it makes sense for him to stop workouts and discourage a team like Minnesota from drafting him as long as, and this is key, he's SURE, the Knicks or Bobcats will draft him.

Tony (Boston,MA)

Do you see the Celtics making a trade for a draft pick? If so for who? Who would the Celtics be trading? I hope NOT Ray Allen!

Chad Ford

(1:46 PM)

They are working it and a number of teams including the Grizzlies (no. 2), Thunder (no. 3), Wizards (no. 5), Raptors (no. 9) and Nets (No. 11) sound open to trading their pick. And they could probably get No. 4 if the Celtics were willing to put Rajon Rondo in the deal.

gregg (cleveland)

do you buy kerr's proclamation that he won't move shaq in a straight salary dump? or is that simply posturing?

Chad Ford

(1:47 PM)

Probably posturing. A number of teams, including the Suns, are hurting financially. If they cans ave money, why not. I don't think the Suns are serious contenders next year as currently constructed.

Hidro (houston,tx)

Where does Shawn Marion go? I wish he came back to Miami for midlevel moohlah

Chad Ford

(1:48 PM)

His best hope at making some cash is in Toronto ... I think he wants a lot more than the mid-level

Steve (Syracuse)

Word was that LeBron talked to Johnny Flynn into going into the draft---any chance the Cavs try to move up to grab Flynn?

Chad Ford

(1:49 PM)

That would be smart for the Cavs ... but I just don't know what they have to offer unless their willing to take back a terrible contract in return for an expiring one as part of the deal.

John (MD)

If Blake Griffin isn't ROY next year who do you think will be?

Chad Ford

(1:50 PM)

I think only the Clippers could actually hold him back from winning the award. But if that happens (and the odds in LA have to be even, right?) then I'll go with Rubio

Jon (Charlotte, NC)

What would it take for the Pacers to get the 5th pick? What are the chances of it happening and who would the Pacers take?

Chad Ford

(1:52 PM)

It would probably cost them Jeff Foster and they'd have to take back some money and that's the issue ... they, like most teams, just aren't in a position to take on a lot of payroll right now.

Alex (Vienna)

How good can Jordan Hill be and how bad can he be?

Chad Ford

(1:54 PM)

Lot of mixed opinions on him. I like him. I don't think he's a bust, but not sure where his ceiling is. I do think he plays hard, is a good rebounder and is improving on the offensive end. I think it's crazy if he slips out of the Top 10.

kara (MD)

chad what is your favorite color

Chad Ford

(1:54 PM)

Blue.

Obama (Washington DC)

what would it take for Nets to deal Vince Carter to the Wizards

Chad Ford

(1:56 PM)

I think they'd do it for just about anything that didn't cost the Nets a lot of money. the Wizards have the expiring contracts to make it happen ... if they are going for it ... they should consider it.I think No. 5, Mike James, Etan Thomas and Darius Songaila should do it.

Joel (DE)

What are your thoughts on Omri Casspi? Do you belive he can be a solid starter in the NBA?

Chad Ford

(1:57 PM)

Maybe ...he's such a tough player. Reminds me a little of Matt Harping. He just needs to get a more consistent jump shot. I think he has a very good shot of being the first Israeli to go in the first round.

ryan (philppines)

next year no. 1 pick?

Chad Ford

(1:58 PM)

John Wall, Kentucky

tyler ((CA))

if the heat do sign wade, what do you think is the best move to make after that?

Chad Ford

(1:59 PM)

Chris Bosh ... if they could land Bosh for a combo of Michael Beasley and some expiring contracts I'd do that in a heartbeat if I were the Heat. Bosh and Wade would be a terrific combo

Jeremy (Rochester, NY)

Any hope on Paul Harris or Eric Devendorf getting drafted?

Chad Ford

(1:59 PM)

Harris has impressed some people and I think he could be a second round sleeper. Devendorf? Not so much

Dan (mitchell)

Who gets drafted first? teague or Lawson?

Chad Ford

(1:59 PM)

Jeff Teague

Mike (Portland, OR)

I saw Milan Macvan play in the World Hoop Summit and thought he was great. What is his draft status?

Chad Ford

(2:01 PM)

He withdrew from the draft yesterday

Joe (MD)

Who is the biggest sleeper in the draft and who will be the biggest bust?

Chad Ford

(2:03 PM)

Maybe Earl Clark. He has the talent to be very, very, very good. People are understandably worried about his work ethic, but if he matures and gets it, he could be terrific.

Rocko (New York)

Why is Wayne Ellington not in your 1st round anymore?

Chad Ford

(2:05 PM)

Never was, but could be. But I actually think more likely to crack the first round are a few bigs like Jeff Pendegraph, Taj Gibson and DeMarre Carroll ... guards tend to slip toward the end of the draft

Ryan (NY. NY)

Is Gerald Henderson this years Courtney Lee?

Chad Ford

(2:06 PM)

No. Sam Young is.

Rocko (New York)

Why is James Johnson falling in most mock drafts? Is it his extra weight and tweener concerns?

Chad Ford

(2:07 PM)

Yes. He could still go Top 10 ... but if he fell into the early 20s I wouldn't be surprised either.

Andy (Boston)

Do you really see Tyler Hansbrough going #11?? This seems like a major reach. . . Why wouldn't the Nets just trade down in this case?

Chad Ford

(2:09 PM)

How far do they trade down. He's in the mix with the Pacers at 13, Bulls at 16 and Jazz at 20. If he's the guy you like, why not just take him. It's not like he was a scrub in college.

Gary (LA)

What's your read on the Bucks GM John Hammond? Smart? Inexperienced? Capable? He made a great move with Mbah a Moute in the 2nd last year but a bad one with Joe Alexander at 8...

Chad Ford

(2:10 PM)

Smart ... very well trained in Detroit. Bucks were a playoff team before all their energies. I didn't agree with the Alexander pick, but they nailed it on Mbah Moute. I think they go with a PG and will get a good one.